Yes it has been, I finally got around to compiling major milestone pictures, although there are quite a few that have been left out.
Verbal:
First, the biggest thing that was open to be tackled is not a problem. The rear differential is in extremely good condition, with virtually no wear on the R&P, and minimal surface wear on the sleeve bearings for the two transfer gears.
The axles are also in very good condition, and have been fortunate to have the 15 roller bearings which are known to be much better for wear. Never the less, new bearings and seals have been installed.
The kingpins are in generally better condition than the previous white van, however they are still worn and wobbly. Oh well.
The drag link and dampeners however are deader than a door nail. All have to - or have been - replaced so that the ride would be a fair bit safer.
Pictured:
The "new" carb has been rebuilt, however I managed to bust a bolt, so I have not fully reassembled it. I will definitely use one of the gaskets though to install it on the "old" intake!
This has been one of Tris's pet projects, new front seats. They are both adjusting, and they have this nifty feature of folding
flat. They came out of a Chevy Venture mini-van, center row seats. :)
The automatic column is back in, and it's even more buttoned up than in the picture! Of course, the steering wheel is still not back on, as I want to center it.
This is the bellhousing from the - now removed - 3 speed manual. I'll take pictures tomorrow, as the clutch was dead. However, whatever punk band drove it around knew their stuff, as the flywheel is easily turnable, and reusable! :D
The 3 speed... I have yet to clean it off and figure out what I'm missing out on / happily avoiding.
Dad, he's been helping out a lot from grabbing parts like no tomorrow, to replacing all 4 corners, breaks and everything... Makes me feel like a total putz.
Out with the old, in with the new!
Tristessa in the flesh, he has helped far more than I could ever thank him for.
As it was late, these are pictures from the next day... Isn't she pretty?
Also
déja vu, I know I have taken a picture in a very similar angle before!
And also dad's handy work. As he knows how to work the polisher, he has been doing small bits.
The owner of the salvage yard said that "When you get it running, bring it by, I want to see it!". I have a feeling that he's either going to be amazed or pissed, as he didn't get around to work on it for nigh on 10 years. =D